AnyLogic advances 3D animation in simulation modeling with NVIDIA Omniverse

As technology advances, expectations for realism and interactivity in simulation modeling are growing. Traditional 3D capabilities in simulation tools have often been limited, struggling to offer realistic textures, shadows, and reflections. Now, AnyLogic's integration with the NVIDIA Omniverse platform bridges this gap, combining AnyLogic’s simulation capabilities with Omniverse’s advanced 3D animation. In this blog post, we explain how this integration is transforming 3D simulation modeling.

Contents:

1. AnyLogic’s integration with NVIDIA Omniverse
2. Key features
3. Use cases
4. Access AnyLogic’s NVIDIA Omniverse integration

AnyLogic’s integration with NVIDIA Omniverse

The new integration of AnyLogic with the NVIDIA Omniverse represents a chance to address the limitations of traditional 3D animation within simulation software.

Until now, AnyLogic’s 3D animations, though functional, could lack details and additional effects like realistic shadows, textures, and reflections. AnyLogic saw the opportunity to integrate with the NVIDIA Omniverse, a platform known for its 3D animation and real-time collaboration capabilities, to allow simulation modelers to create photorealistic animation easily.

AnyLogic’s integration with NVIDIA Omniverse combines two worlds: the exceptional simulation modeling capabilities of AnyLogic and the physically accurate capabilities of Omniverse.

At the AnyLogic Conference 2024, we also showcased the transformative power of this integration.

Key features of the integration

1. Enhanced visuals with realistic effects

The NVIDIA Omniverse integration enables AnyLogic models, animated in Omniverse, to display effects like realistic lighting, shadows, reflections, and transparency. Materials like glass can show transparency and reflections, adding significant depth to scenes. The ability to pan, zoom, and explore the simulation scene allows users to dive into every detail.

2. Live synchronization through the Omniverse connector

At the core of the integration is the Omniverse connector element in AnyLogic, which links an AnyLogic model to the NVIDIA Omniverse. The user should drag the Omniverse connector from the Presentation palette to one of the model’s agents and reference the 3D scene in its properties.

Through this connector, AnyLogic sends live model updates, such as changes in location (when an agent moves) or visual attributes (visibility or appearance changes), directly to Omniverse. This synchronization provides a dynamic and immersive experience.

3. Advanced animation customization

The integration also allows AnyLogic users to replace default objects (like forklifts or automated guided vehicles) with more detailed assets from NVIDIA Omniverse’s example content packs. It helps enrich the USD scene that represents the model.

Additionally, modelers can leverage the “variant set” feature to create differences in object appearances. For example, an SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) agent can be represented as a pallet, box, or container, with its appearance determined by a variant selection that specifies the variant in the set. This integration allows users to assemble scenes with detailed and realistic animations, leading to physically accurate 3D simulation models.

4. Flexible setup for Omniverse experts

Users experienced in Omniverse can create scenes directly in that environment. When working on AnyLogic models, they then only need to include elements that influence agents’ behavior.

A simple obstacle object in an AnyLogic model can appear in Omniverse as a detailed workstation filled with equipment, creating a more engaging scene as workers navigate around it. Likewise, a detailed cashier station with items and personnel can be modeled in Omniverse, while in AnyLogic, a ServiceWithLine markup will guide pedestrian movement.

5. Virtual Reality (VR) capability

Now, AnyLogic users with VR headsets can “walk” through their models in a VR environment inside Omniverse. This feature opens new possibilities for decision-maker engagement, as managers and clients can experience the simulation as if they are physically inside the modeled facility. VR can make simulations more persuasive by providing a first-person view of the model, allowing users to see close-up details, and making communicating proposed changes, expansions, or new layouts easier.

Use cases of this integration

The ability to enhance simulation models with realistic 3D animation makes AnyLogic’s NVIDIA Omniverse integration valuable across multiple industries.

In the manufacturing sector, for example, modelers often play with different layouts, equipment types and allocations, or employee shifts. The new integration allows simulations to produce visually compelling output, which helps in presenting proposed improvements to stakeholders.

The new integration benefits simulation models of any complexity. Whether you have a simple model or a complex, detailed digital twin, both can be animated in Omniverse. The integration allows users to showcase the dynamics of the underlying system with physically accurate details, making simulation a stronger and more impactful tool.

How to access AnyLogic’s NVIDIA Omniverse integration

Many users who have tried out AnyLogic’s integration with the NVIDIA Omniverse have already called it a game-changer in the 3D animation of simulation modeling.

Whether you are optimizing factory or warehouse layouts, creating digital twins, or building visually complex models, this integration provides a powerful solution to showcase simulations with the next level of detail.

To try this integration, you can get started by downloading the free NVIDIA Omniverse standard license and the free latest version of AnyLogic.

For more details and technical specifics, check out the release notes.

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